Three civilians were killed and over 150 were injured in Kashmir in fresh violent protests across Kashmir after the Friday prayers despite strict curfew enforced to stop people from holding “pro-freedom” demonstrations.

Three civilians were killed and over 150 were injured in Kashmir in fresh violent protests across Kashmir after the Friday prayers despite strict curfew enforced to stop people from holding “pro-freedom” demonstrations.

Local authorities said that demonstrations were held at many places in the restive Valley after afternoon prayers leading to violent clashes in Srinagar, and south and north Kashmir regions.

An unruly mob pelted security forces with stones in Nagam village of Budgam. The security forces opened fire and dispersed the protestors with pellets.

A police official said that over 150 persons were injured in the fresh protest. The angry men clashed with security forces, prompting police and paramilitary troopers to use force to quell protests in the apple town.

Demonstrations were also held in north Kashmir Kangan area on the Srinagar-Leh highway enroute to Amarnath cave shrine. Protests were also held at several other places, including in Srinagar, in which dozens more were hurt.

For the first time in the recent history of Kashmir, no Friday congregational prayers were offered at Dargah Hazratbal -- the most revered shrine in the state -- that houses a lock of hair of the Prophet.

Authorities had imposed strict curfew and blocked all entry points to Hazratbal to prevent a separatist-called protest march to the shrine.

Curfew remained in force almost across the Valley that has been on the boil since the July 8 killing of rebel commander Burhan Wani. The toll in the unrest has reached 53 after the latest casualty.